Christians’ responsibilities in government election
“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1Tim 2:1-2
The federal election is coming up in a week’s time. We have the responsibility, not only as citizens, but also as Christians to approach this election diligently. While theocracy is God’s way of ruling His people, it will not be the reality for the secular world until Christ’s return. Even as democracy is not specifically endorsed in the Bible, practically, it is the worldly political system we have that best ensures the welfare of the majority, albeit far from perfectly. Under democracy, government is accountable to the people, of which Christians are part of. Elections give us the opportunity to uphold and defend Christian values as best we can. Paul’s exhortation above calls for a true concern for people in authority and the outcome they bring upon the people. He urges us continually to supplicate, pray, intercede and give thanks (where such is deserved) for those in government. That indicates a deep investment in governmental affairs, including the shaping of government policies and electing the government that best reflects Christian values. That is part of being “salt and light of the world”.
What shall we do then in this election?
Firstly, participate in the election diligently and prayerfully. Do not just satisfy the compulsory voting requirement by voting uninformedly, informally, randomly or “donkey”.
Secondly, pray for the leaders of the political parties and candidates to be truthful in presenting their policies, and for ourselves to have wisdom to know what they truly stand for.
Thirdly, be informed about where the different parties and candidates stand on issues pertinent to Christian values. This is not a straightforward matter. Some published analyses may be helpful, e.g. one provided by Family voice Australia: https://familyvoice.org.au/images/2025_Elections/Federal_Election/Checklist_Federal_Elections_Eastern_States_16_APR_2025.jpeg
Fourthly, do not blindly follow a sense of loyalty to any one political party. Our loyalty is to the Lord. In this regard, avoid being captured by polarised information feeds, which is so prevalent in social media.
Lastly, fulfil our priestly duties by praying that the Lord’s will be done in the outcome of the election.
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基督徒在政府選舉中的責任
「我勸你，第一要為萬人懇求、禱告、代求、祝謝；為君王和一切在位的，也該如此，使我們可以敬虔、端正、平安無事的度日。」提前2:1-2
聯邦選舉將在一周後舉行。我們不僅作為公民有責任谨慎地參與這大選，並且作為基督徒就更當如此。雖然神治是神統治祂子民的方式，但在基督再來之前，它不會成為這世俗世界的現實。即使聖經沒有特別認可民主政制，但實際上，我們擁有的世俗政制比較上最能確保大眾福利的，儘管遠非完美，也就是民主政制。在民主制度下，政府要向人民交代，基督徒是人民的一部分。大選讓我們有機會盡我們所能維護和捍衛基督價值觀。保羅在上面的勸勉呼籲我們要真正關心當權者以及他們給人民帶來的治理。他敦促我們要不斷地為執政的人懇求、禱告、代求、祝謝（在配得時）。這表明我們應對政府事務有深度投入，包括影響政府政策和選舉最能反映基督價值觀的政黨。這是我們作「世界的鹽和光」的一部分。
那麼，在這次選舉中，我們應該怎樣做呢？
首先，認真和帶着祈禱的心去參與選舉，而不僅僅是為滿足強制投票的要求而無知地，或隨便地投癈票或「驢子」票(即胡亂投票)。
其次，祈求主使政黨領袖和候選人誠實地展示他們的政策，並我們自己有智慧知道他們真正的立場是什麼。
第三，瞭解不同政黨和候選人在與基督價值觀相關的問題上之立場。這不是一件簡單的事情。一些已發表的分析可能會有幫助，例如澳大利亞家庭之聲( Family Voice Australia) 提供的分析： https://familyvoice.org.au/images/2025_Elections/Federal_Election/Checklist_Federal_Elections_Eastern_States_16_APR_2025.jpeg
第四，不要盲目地忠於任何一個政黨。我們只忠於主。在這方面，請避免被社交媒體中非常普遍的兩極分化資訊源所綑綁。
最後，履行我們作祭司的職責，祈禱主的旨意成就在選舉結果中。
Rev. Christopher Chan
